Imada confirmed the bout while a guest on today’s edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).

The fight is scheduled for Bellator 15, which takes place April 22. A source close to the promotion today told MMAjunkie.com the event will be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

As with all Bellator shows, the event airs live on FOX Sports Net, and highlights packages from each card air two days later on NBC and Telemundo.

Imada, who upset Jorge Masvidal with a performance that earned him the 2009 World MMA Awards “Submission of the Year” trophy, looks to improve on last year’s runner-up finish. Late in the third round of an otherwise lopsided affair, Imada scored the comeback win with an inverted triangle choke that put Masvidal to sleep in the tourney’s semifinals. However, he dropped a second-round submission loss to Eddie Alvarez in the finale.

Since his Bellator run, Imada has fought once outside the organization. At a January King of the Cage show, he knocked out Daisuke Hanazawa for his ninth win in 10 fights.

Although Bellator officials had hoped to pair Imada with Masvidal in the season-two tourney, Masvidal didn’t join the tournament field. Sources close to the fighter said his participation would have required a contract extension to which he wasn’t willing to commit. Still, Masvidal has three fights remaining on his current Bellator deal and is expected to compete in a season-two non-tournament fight (possibly against Imada if he doesn’t advance to the finals).

Kheder, meanwhile, found his way to MMA after a decorated career as a Judoka. He won 13 national titles and two European continental titles in the sport. He later began training with current Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard in Sydney, Australia. Kheder eventually migrated to the U.S. in 2007, where he began work with renowned trainer Shawn Tompkins.
Kheder is currently riding a three-fight win streak and has won 11 of his past 12 fights. Only two went to a decision.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.